Iowa CUs Pitch in to Aid Flood Victims

Iowa credit unions in flood-ravaged areas along the Maquoketa River stepped up their relief efforts Thursday to provide financial aid to their members and help out community groups working in flood relief.

Executives of the $465 million DuTrac Community CU of Dubuque, one of the area's largest, said they were astonished at member outpouring to a special charity fund which in one day raised $10,000 for flood aid.

"DuTrac wanted to be first out of the door to help provide a cash donation and challenge other area residents and businesses to donate to those in need," explained Jason Norton, senior vice president-marketing/business development.

Earlier this week, DuTrac started handing out checks to local groups which have been trucking in food, water and building supplies to the hard-hit Delhi area which had witnessed the bursting of the Lake Delhi dam last weekend.

Meanwhile, DuTrac's competitor, the $886 million Dupaco Community CU also of Dubuque, said it, too, has implemented several special member assistance programs, including fixed rate emergency flood loans, loan payment deferral, fee reimbursement, and no-cost reorders on checks and debit cards.

"During these trying times, Dupaco is here to lend a helping hand," said CEO Robert W. Hoefer. "If financial difficulties arise, we encourage members to contact our financial counselors as soon as possible

On fund-raising, Dupaco said it has been referring monetary donors to local agencies like the American Red Cross and United Way considering "they have the quickest and most direct impact to address community needs."

DuTrac's Norton said he is unable to estimate how much might be added to the $10,000 but he expects considerably more this weekend when 10,000 bikers converge on the flooded area during a charity drive, the annual RAGBRAI race sponsored by the Des Moines Register. RAGBRAI stands for Register annual Great Bicycle Race Across Iowa.